Raza takes four as Paarl Royals do the double over MI Cape Town

In a clinical display of bowling, led by Sikandar Raza's 4/13, the Paarl Royals completed a season double over MI Cape Town with a resounding seven-wicket victory on Sunday. The fixture proved to be a one-sided affair after the Royals' bowling unit systematically dismantled the visitors' batting lineup for just 88 on a two-paced pitch.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, MI Cape Town's innings never found any rhythm. The Powerplay set the tone as the Royals' opening bowlers exploited the conditions. MICT managed a meager 33 runs in the first six overs, losing two crucial wickets. The struggle continued through the middle overs as the Paarl bowlers maintained a stranglehold.

Despite the presence of international stars like Nicholas Pooran and Reeza Hendricks, MI Cape Town found it impossible to build meaningful partnerships. Boundaries dried up, forcing errors from the frustrated batters. By the 16th over, the score had limped to 81/5, with none of the top-order batters making more than 18. The final collapse was swift, where Raza picked two more. MICT were bundled out for 88 in 18.4 overs.

Royals' response was characterized by aggression and intent even though Trent Boult claimed a first-over wicket. A 54-run stand between Asa Tribe and Rubin Hermann helped them stay on track. Tribe was particularly impressive, striking 34 off 28 balls. The pair fell in quick succession, but having raced to 46/1 within the Powerplay effectively extinguished any hopes of an MICT comeback.

The victory was sealed in exactly 13 overs. The seven-wicket win not only secured crucial points but also served as a major confidence booster for the Royals, who have now found significant momentum with three consecutive wins.

Brief scores: MI Cape Town 88 all out in 18.4 overs (Sikandar Raza 4-13, Ottneil Baartman 2-8) lost to Paarl Royals 90/3 in 13 overs (Asa Tribe 34; Rashid Khan 1-28) by 7 wickets.